Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic, its effects on businesses still linger. But there is one impacted business that might just come as a surprise – wedding planning.
Combat sports over the last decade have gained massive amounts of popularity, connecting with fan bases across the world. The growth of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and other professional organizations has led to athletes across the globe introducing themselves to the world of martial arts.
Hidden in the basements of pizza shops, community centers and neighborhood homes is an unknown, tight-knit community of music lovers, creatives and artists. The underground music scene is much more than mosh pits and punk music. Although the scene does not focus on monetary gain, it is rich in history and culture throughout Connecticut.
Each year in September, millions of families across the nation get their children ready for school. From the fall until the first week of June, there are about 10 months in the average school calendar. While students worry about classroom work, some parents have additional their own worries— paying for their students’ lunch.
In 2021, Connecticut passed its “nickel-per-nip” program to update the state’s Bottle Bill. In its first full year, the program generated over $4.2 million throughout the state. The money from the program is designed to support the collection and proper disposal of “nip” bottles.
The tennis courts at Hamden High School are set to be restored following a $152,000 donation from Quinnipiac University. This is not the first time Quinnipiac has made a contribution to local Connecticut schools. Over the summer, Quinnipiac donated $48,000 in support of Hamden Middle School. The donation followed town budget cuts that would have…
The Best Video Film & Cultural Center is celebrating its 40th anniversary at the start of 2025. Since its opening, it has been serving coffee, hosting events and, of course, films to the community.
The Hamden Registrar of Voters and the League of Women Voters of Hamden-North Haven hosted a coffee hour event on Oct. 19 at the Miller Memorial Library.
August Della Donna, a senior creative writing student in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program for secondary education at Quinnipiac University, worked this summer as the Presidential Public Service Fellow for Hamden Youth Services Bureau to bring a creative lens to the town programs.
On Friday, Sept. 20, No Worries Brewery in Hamden hosted the first-ever “21 Songwriters Festival” to raise money for Musical Intervention, a local charity based in New Haven for more than nine years.
For the past 11 years, Where the Love Is Animal Shelter has served the Hamden area as the only shelter in town helping surrendered or abandoned dogs find forever homes.
Special Olympics Connecticut hosted a golfing event on Sunday, Sept. 15 as part of their Unified Sports Fall Festival at the Sleeping Giant Golf Course.
Angelo and Ettore Rossetti, 56, have been playing racquet sports their whole life, but the twins have been putting their own spin on the game — setting world records.
Communities gathered across Hamden to watch the presidential debate between Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump, and Democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday night.
Hamden’s youth sports are popular and successful. In 2020, Hamden won the Connecticut Little League state championship, beating Montville 12-1 in four innings in the championship game. That was the year of the pandemic so there was no Little League World Series for Hamden to qualify for, but that did not stop the kids and…
To read the full story with all multimedia elements, click here: https://qu-journalism-anchor-health.shorthandstories.com/anchor-health-is-a-safe-haven-amongst-obstacles-for-lgbtq-healthcare/index.html The Anchor Health Initiative started in a supply closet. Patricia Chadwick, A.C. Demidont, Jean Doyen de Montaillou and David Grimes founded Anchor Health on May 4, 2016, — which provides non-discriminatory healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community. They found the resources for LGBTQ+ health…
Since 2021, the Hamden Public Library has been adapting its services to better suit the needs of the community in town. Through the community needs assessment, the staff has begun offering programs to help Hamden outside of borrowing books.
For the full version adapted with multimedia click here When Tarah Pawloski moved to Hamden in 2017, she wanted to find the best school for her two young children. She hoped to send her kids to a place with diversity, both racially and socio-economically. “I went to a high school that was all white and…
The Hamden Arts Commission faced controversy following the non-reappointment of Vice Chair Diane Brown, leading to the resignation of three members and protests by others. Mayor Lauren Garrett cited Hamden’s revised town charter’s geographic requirements for commission composition as the reason for Brown’s removal.
An inside look into the life of a member of Hamden’s homeless population, how they make their living and the impact of homelessness in the areas where they congregate.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, water fountains shut down across the country as a precautionary measure. Three years later, COVID is still surging and the Hamden community is still left without access to many public water fountains. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont declared a public health emergency on March 10, 2020. Many changes to…
Hamden is facing chronic absenteeism and staff shortages head on. Learn how these issues affect students and teachers alike, and how the district plans to solve them.
Hamden residents will soon be treated to new eateries in town including Genki Sushi, KPot and Panera Bread according to a post from mayor Lauren Garrett’s Facebook page on Nov. 7. The announcement was met with mixed reviews online, with some Hamden residents praising the town for bringing in more businesses to stimulate Hamden’s economy.…
A rowdy crowd early in the night turned silent and disappointed as Incumbent Hamden mayor Lauren Garrett won re-election over Republican Crystal Dailey. “I’m really happy with what we were able to accomplish,” Dailey said. Dailey’s supporters loudly cheered as she was announced a winner of districts one and eight, the first two districts to…
Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett answered her phone as she took a few steps away from a group of roughly 30 campaign officials and supporters gathered in her backyard Tuesday night. It was just after 9 p.m. on Election Day. On the other end of the line was Crystal Dailey, a Hamden Board of Education member…
Hamden’s candidates for mayor, town clerk, Board of Education and Legislative Council faced off in Tuesday’s municipal elections. Democrats retained the mayor’s office and won a majority of the council and BOE. “Thank you to all of the amazing candidates on Row A and congratulations to all of the candidates on the ballot that were…
HQNN was at both mayoral campaign events Tuesday night as GOP candidate Crystal Dailey conceded to Lauren Garrett, who won her second term in an election that wasn’t close.
Haven Beer Company began the process of opening its business in Hamden almost one year ago. Today, they have begun renovations while still in the midst of a lawsuit. This is the story of the company’s challenges and the difficulties of opening a business in Hamden.
Despite having to balance her family life and enduring criticism, Democrat Lauren Garrett is seeking re-election on Nov. 8 as residents in her Connecticut town worry about property taxes and crime
Hamden municipal elections are coming up and newcomers and incumbents alike are seeking office in the mayoral, town clerk, board of education and legislative council races. Here is who you can expect to see on your ballot on Nov. 7. Mayor Republican Crystal Dailey: A Hamden Board of Education member and healthcare administrator, Dailey is…
Hamden has been using property taxes to curb its massive debt and pension liabilities — the highest in Connecticut. Maintaining high property taxes to pay off these debts however, may also be keeping renters from buying in Hamden and curbing the town’s growth. Many U.S. towns and cities rely heavily on property taxes to fund…
With fall in full effect, there is no shortage of vibrant yellows, oranges and reds that fill the landscape. Take a look at a few photos of the fall foliage captured at Sleeping Giant State Park, Quinnipiac University and across Hamden.
On an unseasonably warm fall Saturday, Quinnipiac University opened its Mount Carmel Campus Quad to local families and businesses for its eighth-annual Boomer’s Boo Bash, hosted by the university’s athletics department. Operating from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Oct. 28, the free event gave families with young children a wealth of activities to explore.…
CTtransit vehicles will no longer stop at the Hamden Plaza bus location starting Nov. 5. The owner of the Hamden Plaza, Andrew Bermant, will remove the bus stop in its entirety in order to prevent the CTtransit vehicles from being able to stop in the plaza, according to Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett. The mayor’s office,…
The Hamden Police Department is seeking officers, but over the past few years, it has had trouble closing the gap — and it is not the only department facing that predicament. Currently, the department, which is budgeted to hold a staff of 103 sworn officers, is reporting a deficit of seven officers, according to Timothy…
A recent increase of Quinnipiac University students parking in the Sleeping Giant State Park parking lot on Mount Carmel Avenue comes amid a lack of spots at the university. Park-goers and hikers are upset because they are not able to park in the lot since it is full of students,officials who work at Sleeping Giant…
“I know what it feels like to only have $20 until payday to feed your kids,” Hamden Republican mayoral candidate Crystal Dailey said. Dailey, 47, grew up in Yonkers, New York, around 15 miles outside of New York City, in project housing. She has worked all her life, from 14 to today. She had two…
After months of meetings, the Hamden Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 10 approved a special permit to allow the town’s first cannabis store to open on Whitney Avenue.
Hamden Police Department will welcome its first Black chief later this month after Mayor Lauren Garrett has announced native Edward Page Reynolds will take over for Tim Wydra.
Timothy Wydra, acting chief of police in the Hamden Police Department, is stepping down after serving more than a year in the acting chief role. Wydra, who joined the force in 1993, announced he would be leaving the department in a press release Monday. In his 17 months as acting chief, Mayor Lauren Garrett never…
Blood drives, weddings and regional festivals are all routine events at Hamden’s Whitneyville Cultural Commons. But on Sept. 26 and Sept. 28, dozens of local parents gathered around plastic folding tables in the Commons’ musty church basement for another reason: college financial planning. The attendees, most of whom are parents to high school juniors or…
Hamden town officials kick off October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month Wednesday with the town’s annual “Paint Hamden Pink” event. Fire trucks, police cars, town government uniforms and more turn pink for the month of October.
Hamden’s annual Egyptian Festival took place at the Virgin Mary and Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church this weekend, which celebrates Egyptian culture.
Some Hamden public school students are getting to class late because of a new bus schedule and issues with the town’s transportation system, First Student. During this time, Hamden is also in the process of paving 35 streets throughout the town.
Lauren Garrett defeated Walter Morton in Tuesday’s primary, but what lies ahead for the incumbent mayor is anything but calm seas. We learned that taxes, business development, voter turnout and more remain on the minds of Hamden voters.
(In order) Rose Jackson, Josephine Shabbott, Fran Nelson and Bridget Grenier. (Zachary Carter/HQNN). Voters gathered Tuesday to cast their votes in the Democratic primary election– voicing their opinions on the two mayoral candidates, the most important issues facing the town and the direction they feel Hamden is headed. The polls opened at 6 a.m. giving…
Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett and primary challenger Walter Morton IV discussed the town’s finances, schools and police in a debate before Tuesday’s Democratic primary election.
The Democratic primary in Hamden will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Registered Democrats in Hamden will vote to elect a candidate to run in the mayoral election on Tuesday Nov. 7. Here are five things you need to know about the election: 1. Who are the candidates? Incumbent Mayor Lauren Garrett is facing off…
There are nine locations throughout Hamden that residents can go to vote for Lauren Garrett or Walter Morton in the mayoral primary on Tuesday Sept. 12 including libraries and schools.
Ahead of National Period Poverty Week starting on May 22, one Quinnipiac University student is making a difference in campus bathrooms. Makeba Walcott, a first-year medical student has begun a free period product trial run in many bathrooms within the Netter School of Medicine. The success of this trial run will determine whether or not…
For Lamond Battle, he’s seen it all at Hamden High School. From a former student who graduated in 2007 to the supervisor of security, Battle has seen kids act up and even fights break loose. However, his passion for community grew, having him come back to the high school as a security guard. He enjoys getting…
During her first summer on the job, in 2022, Hamden’s Assistant Animal Control Officer Monica Vece responded to a wildlife call regarding the death of a “very beautiful, young” red-tailed hawk. “Unfortunately, he ate something that had (pesticide) in it and he passed away, and that’s unfortunately a lot of what we’re seeing more and…
From starting in commercial kitchens creating cookie care packages to now owning a storefront and baking almost 500 cookies a day, Jodi Seidner has been baking practically all her life. Now she bakes out of Sweet Seidner’s, located in Hamden. ”We opened this location in June, and we’ve been in business since November 2015,” Seidner…
Youth sports. One of the most important aspects of growing up. It’s where young children learn how to work as a team, exercise and socialize with their friends. The number of youth sport participation is not something that is typically thought about. Picture the local baseball fields, soccer pitches or basketball courts. They are typically…
As we approach one of the most beloved times of the year, it’s a magical time for many, but Christmas has become an increasingly expensive holiday. Two of the season’s most common activities, such as Christmas tree and gift shopping, are increasing in price this season due to inflation. Tree farms across the nation are…
Nature nestles Quinnipiac University’s Mount Carmel campus, with Sleeping Giant State Park hovering over the north side of its quadrangle. On the south end of the suburban campus, a forest serves as a tranquil passageway between the student center and a group of academic buildings. The forest, known as Pine Grove, has occupied five acres…
For the full version adapted with multimedia click here. Two years ago a sewer main collapsed in Hamden causing over 2 million gallons of raw sewage to pour into the town’s Mill River — it was accidental, but ultimately cleared quickly. Even before the collapse, this ecosystem, which provides drinking water, as well as fishing…
The holiday season is about giving, especially to those in need. Many organizations try to answer this call year-round, giving donations ranging from food to toys. One local organization, Connecticut Foodshare, answers this call with programs like their mobile food pantry. The nonprofit has lots of responsibilities including, forming programs to get food to those…
Residents and locals may have noticed a large “Going Out of Business Sale” sign appearing in the window of Hamden’s historical Spring Glen Hardware & Appliance this past Monday. Located over on Whitney Avenue, the family-owned home improvement store is closing down after being open for nearly 75 years. Frank Landino began working at the…
As Lieutenant Jason Venditto opens the back door of his patrol car with “K-9” and “Knight” painted on the side, loud, excited barking is heard. He opens the door and a large, black German shepherd emerges – tail wagging and a tongue hanging out of its mouth. Knight jumped out of the car and bolted.…
After the stabbings at Hamden high school last year and the violent carjacking this past July, juvenile crime has been a steadily increasing concern among Hamden residents, and debates about youth incarceration have been ongoing for years. The Children’s Defense Fund, which focuses on child advocacy and research, reported that 1,909 children are arrested in…
In towns all across America, community centers and shelters look to provide food and care resources to their residents in need. In the town of Hamden, one of the most prominent is the Keefe Community Center, located on Pine Street. According to the Hamden website, the center’s mission is to “enhance the quality of life…
Food prices may be higher this year, but that’s not stopping Connecticut residents preparing for their big dinner on Thanksgiving. As of Sept. 3, the cost of a Grade A, 8-16 pound whole turkey cost $1.72 per pound compared to last year’s price of $1.44 per pound, according to a United States Department of Agriculture…
In the early 2000s, Andrew Peralta knew he was gay, but he remembers clearly the five students at Hamden High that had come out. “It was very distressing and confusing because if you felt you were different, or that you were possibly gay, you certainly couldn’t be out at all,” he recalled. “Being gay was…
The beauty of the town of Hamden is not limited to the Sleeping Giant National State Park. While driving through the town of Hamden, visitors might notice the extensive nature and foliage sprouting around them. Some of the saplings planted are thanks to one volunteer group — the Hamden Tree Commission. “Not only do (the…
Deer mating season spans from late October through early January. In Connecticut, the peak of the season is the last two weeks of November, putting drivers at a higher risk of car accidents involving deer. According to Andrew Labonte, a biologist at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the deer population in…
Connecticut residents will be running to their thermostats and pulling out their checkbooks to purchase home heating oil as experts predict a sharp price rise in fuel this winter. The Farmer’s Almanac, an unofficial, folksy weather predictor but one that people in New England swear by, predicts the coldest temperatures in Hamden, Connecticut, will be…
The Hamden general election concluded with Democrat Josh Elliott continuing as state representative for a fourth term and voters approving the revised legislative charter for the town. Elliott received 66% of the votes for the 88th Connecticut State House of Representatives district seat against Republican opponent Mike Pace. The Connecticut Secretary of State reported Elliott…
Melissa Anderson sits in her apartment at the Seramonte Estates on Mix Avenue. The living room is clean, but well-lived in. Photos of her husband and children and multiple paintings saying, “My family comes first,” decorate the walls. The decor adds a homey feel, but the space is still not ideal. Against a wall, closet…
Hamden residents were out yesterday casting their votes for new community leaders. Voters also had the opportunity to approve new legislation, such as the revised town Charter.
Businesses come and go, and Route 10 in Hamden, Connecticut, has seen its fair share of them. But one hot dog restaurant that has remained a staple of the Hamden community for nearly 70 years might’ve cracked the key to success — consistency. Glenwood Drive-in at 2538 Whitney Ave. in Hamden continues its success through…
With midterm elections coming up on Nov. 8, voter intimidation is running rampant across the country, with election workers receiving death threats in Arizona. Meanwhile, in Hamden, election workers were not overly concerned about “unruly” voters. “Looking nationwide I have some concerns, but here we have been extremely lucky,” Mary Ann Flanagan, the deputy registrar…